Yes, this is what is needed, laxity with regard to political
corruption. The court that ratified Citizens United (which is actually related
to this issue) now conspires to lower the bar for corrupt politicians. These
are the people that should be held to a higher standard and should face much
harsher penalties. Instead, all too often they are given a free pass.
Integrity doesn't matter. It's who you know, your connections
and the ability to cash in on political debts that are owed to you. Only the
most ostentatious figures like Rod Blagojevich are beyond a judicial spin-job.
In his case he made too many enemies.
Dean Skelos and Sheldon Silver, two corrupt New York state
politicians who have gone down and are currently awaiting prison are suddenly
filled with hope and the possibility of appeal. The Supreme Court has lowered
the bar and now despite their crimes, their legal teams and their political
connections will be given a new impetus to see them released.
Will they or the former Virginia governor McDonnell return to
politics? Probably not, but there are always university lectures, corporate
boards and think-tanks for the party faithful.
Also, if they're keeping secrets, their allies don't want
them to rot in a jail cell. They may grow weary and start to talk.
Everyone acknowledges the US system is corrupt but I am convinced
that very few even begin to understand how deep and pervasive it is.
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